Oh Emma...

Our sweet little rosebud angel forever in heaven. Oh how we miss you sweet little girl!

Love you so much! Aunt Jenny and Abby

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

dear Emma Rose, when your auntie sent me the beautiful message you inspired for a Christmas Eve service, I didn't open it right away, just couldn't bring myself to and when I did, what an amazing little girl you are to inspire so many people! So tonight I went back to the blog and began reading again and can't stop crying, I think because I have so been enjoying my sweet little Caroline, it makes me miss you even more, Look out for all of us, little one, especially your mommy. Love Great Aunt Laurie

your are amazing sweet pea!!

Hello -- I happened across your blog called Dear Emma Rose the other day and it inspired me as I was struggling to write a sermon for Christmas Sunday. I wanted you to know that Emma Rose touched not just my heart this Christmas but the heart of an entire United Methodist congregation. So I am sending you a copy of the message I gave this morning. Thank you for sharing her story and your journey ... I lit a candle for Emma Rose and for your family today as I held you in prayer. Peace for your Journey, Cindy


12/27/09 John 1:1-14 (Christmas Day Reading) by Rev. Cindy Serio

was a remarkable baby girl who was born on April 2 of last year with Trisomy 18, which is chromosomal abnormality that brings almost certain death. Emma Rose lived for 32 days. Her aunt created a beautiful blog in her memory. This blog is filled with messages of love from family and friends. I was drawn to the way her story unfolded, and I was touched by the faith of her family, their deep sense of God’s presence with them and the transforming LOVE she brought into their lives ... like her Great Aunt Laurie who wrote to her on Easter Sunday when she was just over a week old … Happy Easter Little one. Today I thought of a story my bishop likes to tell. It is about a family welcoming a second child, a little girl home to join her 3 year old big brother. They wondered how he would respond to her. Soon after they found him in the nursery, on his tiptoes looking into the bassinet and saying, "Tell me about God, I keep forgetting." I bet you can tell us so much about God, Emma Rose, you all ready have by showing us how much God loves us all. Love Great Aunt Laurie



As I prepared to deliver this Christmas message to you today, I couldn’t get Emma Rose out of my mind. I am sure that God sent her gentle presence to me … to help me understand the Christmas story in a new and different and deeper way. The Word became a human being and lived among us … This is the Christmas story according to John! Jesus … Emmanuel … This “God with us” is what Christians refer to as the "Incarnation." The Christmas Gospel is that God in Christ showers Grace and Love on all of us, on the whole earth, on the whole universe. Yet this is not only the Christmas story … The incarnation is the core mystery of Christianity. The incarnation is what gives the cross its power. “Yes, God so loved the world – that is you and me and everyone else – as to send sweet baby Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, the only begotten One, that whoever believes may not die, but have eternal life.”
We all love Christmas. We love the Christmas stories that we can easily visualize in our minds: Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, the straw and the manger, the sheep and the shepherds, the angels and the angelic choir, the three wise men, their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But in John’s gospel, we hear none of this. There are no paintings of John’s Christmas gospel. None … Not one!


Instead we hear John’s poetry of the Christmas Incarnation echoing in our hearts …
“In the beginning was the Word
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God …
And the Word became flesh
And dwelled with us
And we have seen the Glory of God!”
Amen.




Rev. Cindy Foster Serio
Minister of Spiritual Formation/ Ashford United Methodist Church
Website: www.ashfordumc.org
Spiritual Director & Retreat Leader/ Mosaic Spiritual Formation Ministry
Website: www.mosaicspiritualformationministry.org
Blogs: imamosaic.blogspot.com & mosaicbiblestudy.blogspot.com & missionmosaic.blogspot.com

Missing you sweet angel.......

It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone now 6 months? We miss you sweet baby. You remain in our hearts each and every minute. You are loved so very much. Surely you can feel it from a far. I have faith that you are being snuggled, rocked and loved up there in heaven. Your star shines bright on us down here as we go on until we get to see you again. We are sending you kisses in heaven.


Love and many kisses, Aunt Jenny and Abby

We thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
We think of you in silence we often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
we have you in our heart. Author unknown...........

From Auntie Laurie

hi sweet pea. auntie had a tough day today. i thought of you often. which i always do, but today may me sad. i always miss you too, but today i wanted you here. today was one of those days where i just can't stop the tears. words can't convey how much i long to see you. hold you. smell you. and most of all smother you with kisses. then cousin erin helped me a bit. you see she's been afraid of dying for a long time now. afraid that she never be alive on earth again. it really puts her into hysterics. we talk about it a lot. she had an episode the other night. so when i picked her up today from school she told me she had talked about you in religion class. sister rose asked if anyone had done anything they were really afraid too. she told sister she stood up in front of eveyone and read at your funeral. then she told me she had a revelation. that you were her guardian angel and her inspiration. if you were strong enough to leave and go to heaven, then she could be too. i feel and see you all around and know you are all of ours guardian angel.
smoochies and huggies and all of my love....
auntie laurie

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

Today Emma Rose, as I was visiting with a friend who has four children I get to be a grandma for as their grandma lives far away in Ireland, Dee suddenly asked me about you, she has continued to pray, I smiled and talked about all that your family has shared with us in New York. I never did get to meet you. but you were and still are in my heart.
Love ,
The original Aunt Laurie

You can shed tears that she is gone,

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

God Bless

From Meema & Da

Dear Lord,We did not get to hold our Emma long enough to tell her all about you.Would you please hold her in your arms and tell her about us?With our love, Meema and Da

From Meema & Da

Sweet little one. We are coming on four months and I still strongly feel your presence. Everytime a hummingbird comes to my window feeder and drinks and then sits a bit, I feel your presence. I see your being when I look at the flowers in my yard. Our connection has not been broken. Your picture sits on the mantle in the kitchen and everytime I look at you, I am taken back to the night you were born and I feel again the precious miracle that we were given. I know you are happy, whole and loved. I just pray that the love we send to you is reaching you.Our love continues directed to you. Precious little one, we miss you so.Meema and Da

From cousin Erin

it seems like it was just yesterday that we were at mamas house and i would pick you up when evreryone was eating including your mom and dad and i would sing to you and rum her back.when she chocked i would walk very fast and give her back and would say to put her back in her bopper and i would make sure she comfy and then sit with her intell everyone was done.and then uncle pete her dad would sit with her. i love you and miss you.love cousin erin

My dearest Sweetpea...

it's been 3 monthes, but it feels like yesterday. when i close my eyes i can still feel you in my arms, taste your rosebud cheeks, smell your sweet scent, and hear your little baby noises. it still feels like i can look over and see you in the sunlight sitting in your spot on the table. oh how my heart aches to do all of the above. i, as would us all, would give anything to have you back. it's not the same without you. you should have been a 3 and a half month old at the beach with us. while i thank god for every day we spent with you, i can't help but be angry and wonder why. i love you my sweetpea and take comfort in the fact that you're not struggling anymore. smoochies and huggies and all of my love,
auntie laurie

From Aunt Jenny

Little girl has it really been 3 months today? In some ways it seems longer but in other ways like yesterday. You are remembered and thought of SO often. We all miss you so much. I can't help being angry.... It's not fair. I know God has a plan and a purpose for everyone but the selfish me wants you here. You should be with us and we should be hugging and kissing you while we watch you grow up along with your sister and brother. You remain forever in our hearts and we continue to cherish and remember all of the precious times we were able to spend with you. I believe you are at peace now in a wonderful world without pain. And here.... we go on but there will always be an empty place. A place that only you were able to fill and it's empty without you in it....

Love you so much and always and saying extra special prayers for you and your family today. Especially your Mommy and Daddy who must be hurting even more today.

Aunt Jenny XOXOXOXO

From Meema & Da

Oh sweet baby!! I know I am not alone in having trouble composing this message. Partly because I am continuously talking to you each day and I know you hear me and the rest, because I'm still having trouble maintaining my composure when I am thinking about you. For such a little person you were a mighty powerful one. I know God had his reasons for the things he does but I have been angry because I miss you so. I thought that as time as passed my ache would ease but it hasn't. I try to picture you as a toddler like Josh, a curious and happy and 18 monther like cousin Abby, a rambunctious 4 or 5 year old like your cousins Jack and Zach, as a preteen like Virginia, Erin and Jake or as the lovely young lady your sister, Sam has become. I guess I am seeing a part of you as I get to watch them all.

You were so firmly entrenched in our hearts months before you were even born. We love you so much. You were truly a miracle baby who went on to bless so many of us. You came from God and you more than fulfilled the expectations he had for you. And I know you are in a place where you are whole again and surrounded by those who love you.

Sweet Emma Rose, how different things seem now. There's no precious bundle in that sunny spot by the windows, on the couch, in your daddy's cradle or in their arms. There's an emptiness in the crook of my neck where you would snuggle and I would sneak in endless kisses. Your mommy gave me one of your blankets and it is full of your sweet, sweet scent.

Even tho we knew you were on "loan" to us, saying goodbye was so very hard. Your mommy and daddy are two very special people. Even God thinks so because he entrusted you to them. We can all attest that they didn't let Him down. You are so very, very loved, little one. A part of you fills a big place in all of our hearts.

Your going home service was beautiful. Lots and lots of tears but then how could there not be. The whole family participated. Erin and Auntie Laurie each wrote and read beautiful poems. Uncle Rick wrote a very special piece for you that was beautiful. Da sent you off in a very royal way befitting the princess you are to us. At the cemetary we released 32 pink balloons. Did you see them?

Your little spot in the cemetery is close enough to the edge that we can pick it out when we drive by - that is if we make it by. The urge to stop and visit is too great. We've left loving reminders for you there. Along with more tears. Daddy and Joshua left beautiful flowers for you. I bring you flowers from our gardens so it's a bright spot for you.

We loved you so, we love you now even more. Sweet Blessings little one.
Meema and Da

If I had a flower for every time I
thought of you,
I could walk in my garden forever.

Irish Proverb

From cousin Erin

dear emma rose,
I hope you are doine better then I am.I miss you so much in fact everyone dose.I am so mad that I have not ben able to see you at all.I am sad.I will never stop missing you.
love erin

From Aunt Jenny

Dear Emma

We think of you often and Miss you so much! It's hard to believe that you have been gone for a month now. Your cousin Abby still talks about you several times a week. She asked me where you were and I told her you were an angel in heaven now. She replied. "Up in the sky?" Now how did she know that? Sweet Emma she seems to talk about you most often after her naps. I think you visit her at those times. She also blesses you when we say our prayers.

You may be in heaven now sweet girl but you are forever in our hearts. We see you when ever we close our eyes. Your time here was so special and we will always have those special memories to cherish. Your spirit remains just as strong as it always was! What a mighty fighter you were and what a lasting impression you have made. I will echo your Aunti now sweet girl. How I ache to hold you again and kiss your sweet little face. Until I can I will hold you in my heart that is getting bigger each day with all of the kisses I am saving for you in it.

Love Aunt Jenny and cousin Abby

From Auntie Laurie

Auntie's trying sweetpea...can't find the words...i miss you so much...i wasn't ready...my heart longs for you...your sweet smell and beautiful face...i want so badly to hold you again...the tears that covered your blankets are still falling...thanks to your mommy i still have a blanket of yours to catch them...but it's not the same...

From Uncle chris

A Prayer for Emma Rose

Dear Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of life you gave to sweet Emma Rose. Although you cause us to question your true love for us left here without her by allowing that life to so quickly leave us, please give us the comfort and faith to know that Emma Rose’s short life will give those of us surviving the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and provide us with experiences that because of her life with us will mold us into better, stronger, closer, faithful and more loving creations.
Now, we can only see a few of the gifts you allowed her to give to us. As the years pass, may more reveal themselves:
--She has given a young mother the incredible strength and resolve that she did not believe she had to allow her to make a decision for an unborn child’s life that made Emma Rose’s time with us possible.
--She forced a young father to stand up and come face to face, confront, and overcome adversity, when in the past he would have turned away.
--She has strengthened the bond of a betrothed couple and has brought them closer in love.
--She has shown a teenage sister the true precariousness of life and a deeper appreciation and respect for the true miracle of life.
--She has given young nieces and nephews memories of a cousin they will have forever.
--She has brought aunts and uncles closer together to further strengthen the bonds of their extended families.
--She has given grandparents the opportunity to love and care for a grandchild that will forever be their most special.
--She has given an infant brother no solid memories he himself will recall, but from others, knowledge that will strengthen him as he get older that he has a sibling looking over him from Heaven.
--You, most importantly, gave a young infant a few short moments of tangible LIFE, where she could feel the love of a mother’s touch, the sweet taste of warm milk in her mouth, the warmth and brightness of the afternoon sun on her face, and the breath of cool morning air that filled her lungs. She can be with you in Heaven now in pure happiness having experienced it here with us.

Dear God, Bless those of us that remain knowing that despite the sadness we experience at times such as now, you love us so much that you gave your only Son to die for us and our sins. Please give us the faith to know that you will continue to be with us, to create Light out of this moment of Darkness, and that you will strengthen us, guide us, and comfort us as we must continue on without Emma Rose.

In your name we pray,
Amen

Love,
Uncle Chris

Emma's Farewell...

Isaiah 65: verses 17-25
17For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered, or come to mind.
18But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and it’s people as a delight.
19I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.
22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord~ and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like an ox; but the serpent-its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Mark 10: verses 13-16

13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.

14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Remembering Emma Rose Littlefield
April 2 – May 3, 2009

1. Sadness grips us all, family and friends, as we gather here today to celebrate the life of our youngest, dearest, and sweetest little girl, beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and granddaughter. In fact we are at a loss of words to describe her in any other way. So why are we so saddened?? Some would suggest that this should be a time of happiness and celebration, a day of joy and of jubilance. I grew up in a religious atmosphere that taught these principles. And yet I feel the same emotional sadness, and I am uneasy when I consider that this should be a period of extreme happiness. Let us pursue this concept for a moment.
2. Emma announced herself to her mother and father with a strong kick, a real karate chop if you will to the tummy. As her presence grew stronger and tests confirmed her arrival in about 34 weeks, her family and close friends were happy and jubilant—a new sister for her older brother , Josh, and her modestly older sister Sam. Were Emma’s parents surprised? I hope not. After all they had barely recovered from Josh’s birth, just a few months before. And neither believed in the Immaculate Conception for Josh, or they would have named him Jesus. Some weeks later when further tests confirmed the results of a suspicious ultrasound that Emma may have some challenges to her health, her parents were seized with fear of what might be in Emma’s future. Her parents were faced with one of the most difficult decisions in their young lives together. And they chose to preserve the life of one who was already moving and kicking like a dancer and sports player. They wanted to know and love this child to the fullest extent possible. Against all odds and statistics, they wanted to have a live, viable child in their arms and in their lives for as long as God would give them. They knew that Emma Rose might not live to reach 40 weeks. They knew she might face many challenges at birth and thereafter, but they wanted to know her, to bond with her as their daughter, and to love their child as they loved and cared for their other children, as long as God would permit, even if it was only for a few minutes, a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. They wanted her to have an identity for all eternity, a baptized Christian in God’s Holy Name.
3. And so Emma Rose Littlefield left the protection of her mother’s womb and entered the world on April 2nd, 2009 at approximately 4:21 in the morning. She was immediately baptized by her grandmother according to the laws and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, witnessed by several of her family members in attendance, and placed in the loving arms of her accepting parents. She did all the things a young infant was supposed to do. She breathed on her own, stayed nice and warm and pink, ate to her heart’s content, and of course pooped and peed. And she was able to keep her parents up most of every night. She did so well at the hospital that they discharged her to home to spend some QUALITY TIME with her family. She even attended a family birthday party celebrating her aunt’s #41. The Staff of Portsmouth Naval Hospital and the Edmarc Hospice program as well as the often outspoken but never in doubt members of her family were THERE for her. More importantly, she was there for them and provided all with great joy. Joshua will not likely remember feeling the warmth of her face or the strength of her little fingers, but his parents will never forget or lose that picture in time. Samantha will cherish the lock of hair her sister gave her forever. Her cousins, Erin and Jake, will always remember holding her and gently rocking her. They will hold those experiences forever. And Abby will be reminded by numerous pictures and stories her family will share with her of the loving little cousin she played with during those happy days she was physically with us. And of course the image of that darling infant- nestling on the shoulder of her Meemah, the tiny head tucked against Sherry’s neck while she hummed the gentle lullabies so familiar and so comforting to babies.
4. And so today Emma’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends grieve and remain saddened. They will no longer be able to see her and interact with her physically and watch her grow. Her cousins will not be able to pull her hair, or confiscate her favorite doll. Killy and Porsche will not be able to lick her face, steel her pacifier or dust her face with their tail or wet beard. The family will not be able to share in her accomplishments. Accomplishments? You and I say! Mann…n she has already accomplished something we as Christians are still striving to achieve. She is already in heaven with a perfect view to our world and our actions. She is already in tune with the family she got to know while briefly on this earth. She is in effect our own little angel, our ambassador to God’s kingdom. We can communicate with her at anytime we want, day or night. We can think of her often and she will always be there for us for all eternity in the presence of God.
5. Her mother loved the name Emma and aptly selected that for her infant daughter and the name Rose just naturally seemed to follow. I decided to look up the meaning and word root of Emma, and was surprised that in English it means whole or complete, Latin , and German – universal. It has a similar meaning in Greek. I find that coincidental perhaps that the word catholic comes from the Greek kata halos meaning also universal. And finally in Hebrew the word Emma finds
roots as a healer or nurse . ROSE the flower, the flower of beauty and of love associated with Mary, Jesus’ mother in many countries and in several religious prayers.
6. And so as we pray to and reflect on Emma Rose, perhaps we can remember the meaning of her name. EMMA, THE UNIVERSAL HEALER AND NURSE TO ALL WHO SEEK HER HELP AND ARE IN NEED, THE BEAUTIFUL and loving flower; perhaps we can begin to see and feel the power and grace and the meaning that this tiny infant has brought to all of our lives during her short stay on this earth. And then the burden of our sadness will perhaps be lightened by the fact that she gives and will continue to give us joy and happiness throughout our journey while on this earth.
7. LET US PRAY TO THE LORD. Our response : Lord, hear our prayer.
8. For Emma Rose, our dearest little flower, that she may be in heaven with God this very day, we pray to the Lord…
9. For her parents, Annetta and Richard, that their grief and sorrow for her untimely departure will deepen their love and understanding for one another and for their children, Samantha and Joshua, and together as a family they may grow and enjoy happiness together for decades to come, we pray to the Lord…
10. For the men and women of the Naval Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, who at all times provided caring and compassionate medical care to Emma and to her family, we pray to the Lord…
11. For the Edmarc Hospice team, let us offer our thanks and prayers for their enormous support 24-7 as they quickly and cheerfully responded to the needs of Emma and her family; let us pray to the Lord…
12. Let us hope and pray that Edmarc will have the means necessary to continue their medical and spiritual work as they respond to the needs of other infants who are sick , let us pray to the Lord…
13. I wear a purple shirt today to remember the Trisomy 18 Foundation. Let us pray that through the efforts and goals of that organization, Trisomy 18 will become an entity of only historical perspective to our future infants, let us pray to the Lord…

14. For all the infants afflicted with chromosomal abnormalities, let us look to the men and women who will pioneer the treatment and stem cell research to eradicate this awful disease with our Lord’s guidance, let us pray to the Lord…Lord hear our prayer. AT THIS TIME I CALL ON THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO OFFER AND SHARE THEIR WISHES AND PRAYERS ALOUD OR IN SILENCE.
15. My peace I offer to all of you, and my peace I give to you. In the interest of doing our part to prevent the spread of the Swine Flu, let us acknowledge peace to one another without physical contact this very day.
16. WE WILL CONCLUDE OUR FAREWELL TO EMMA ROSE AT PENINSULA MEMORIAL PARK IN PROCESSION AFTER WHICH ALL OF EMMA ROSE’S FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO JOIN WITH HER FAMILY AT AL FRESCA’S RESTAURANT FOR A LUNCHEON.


Delivered to the relatives and friends of Emma RoseLittlefield on the occasion of her celebration service to be with God by Dr. Hugh Bernard McCormick, Jr., her Da.









A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world.
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown

"I'll lend you for a while a child of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"
"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"
Edgar Guest


Golden Memories
They say memories are golden,
Well, maybe that is true.
We never wanted memories,
We only wanted you.

A million times we cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place
No one else could fill.

If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane.
We'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us back one by one,
The chain will link again.

Anonymous


One hot day at Meema and Da’s last summer,
The family was unaware of what soon we would discover.
Your brother was an infant; we all basked in his glow
You had been conceived, and soon we all would know.
From the point of your conception, we all came to find
You my sweet pea had a plan; it was called “on Emma’s time”.
The weeks passed on, your mommy grew, it all was such a whirl.
It wasn’t very long before we learned you were a girl!
A sad day came, test confirmed, and no I will not dwell.
I’ll simply put it this way, my sweet pea wasn’t well.
This baby is incompatible with life. You really should reconsider.
But mommy and daddy stood their ground and said no, we will endeavor.
Finally the moment came; we’d all been waiting for.
The family went to Portsmouth naval, where you would be born.
Emma time appeared again…all part of your plan.
Don’t push! The nurse would tell your mommy, too late, thank god for quick hands.
You came out crying… family, doctors, nurses were in awe.
It was then my sweet pea you confirmed; you were stronger than us all.
Mommy and daddy brought you home and shared one common goal.
To live each day of life with you as if it was your whole.
That they did, your family too, sweet pea you lived so large…
Birthday parties, Geneva on her Harley, you even squeezed in a lunch.
Yes my dear, there is no doubt, that you were taking charge.
32 days God gave us, and though it wasn’t nearly enough,
God filled our hearts with memories, and abounding endless love.
Now don’t forget my Emma Rose, a few weeks ago we spoke…
When you’re with God, take that finger on your left hand you always like to point,
And reach to God and touch him, because your Auntie needs a poke.

Smoochies & Huggies as always.

Love, Auntie Laurie



After the birth of Emma Rose, I felt as if a miracle had occurred. I was so happy to see her and hold her in my arms. The smiles from ear to ear of Annetta’s and Rich’s faces warmed my heart. When it came time to leave, fear began to set in. I feared that I would go home and never see her alive again. Thirty two days and that call came. I could never imagine the pain and agony that Annetta and Rich are going through. There is no sorrow quite so heart rending as the death of a little child. Emma’s image is written so indelibly upon our minds and hearts since she was born. Our arms are empty, eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are like a vacant house. We sometimes feel that a life which is so brief was in vain and that God has mocked us by giving us Emma and then taking her away so soon. Emma had no opportunity to perform a work, nor was there any time given to develop character. Let us remember first of all, that Emma has an eternal spirit and she has gone into the presence of God where there will be an eternity to perform works and develop character. Although we do not fully understand now, the bible does say in I Corinthians 13:2 “now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is with partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.”

Although the span of Emma’s life was brief, it completed a mission, served a purpose and performed a God-appointed task in this world. Her presence turned your thought to the best, her helplessness brought out your strength and protection, and her loveliness roused your tenderness and love. Her life has brought family closer together and her influence will linger in our hearts as long as we live making us feel the need to be closer to God. Emma’s life served a purpose. A brief life is not an incomplete life. I cannot put into words how each and every one of us feel, but Jesus in John 11:35, understood our sorrow, sympathized with the loss of a loved one. It states when Jesus went to a funeral for Lazarus “Jesus wept.” Because Jesus had our humanity and was touched with the feeling of our suffering, when he went to the cemetery, He wept – in spite of the fact he intended to restore Lazarus’s life.

In the Old Testament, David in 2 Samuel 12:16-23, said after the death of his son, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live. But now that he has died, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” David knew that he was with God and that someday by death, he would be with him forever. If we could only see how blessed Emma is at this very moment, it would reconcile us to the loss of Emma in our hearts. For in Luke 18:16, Jesus said “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Emma is special to all of us. She was so small, but her influence was so great; her life was short, but the memory of her is long. As I said before, I* was afraid to leave Emma and go home after she was born.

However, by faith, I know the next time I see her, I will not have to go home for I will be home.

Thank you and God bless.
From Uncle Rick

When I Must Leave You

"When I must leave you for a little while

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years.

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name

Live on and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour in useful ways,

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!"

~Author Unknown

Read by Aunt Kelli Bynum graveside. 32 pink ballons were released in honor of Emma's 32 days of life on earth.

From Great Aunt Laurie & Great Uncle Sandy

Emma Rose, so many here in Syracuse never knew you in person but knew of your gentleness and spirit that you shared so much. We have cried tears of sadness but do rejoice as you are with God. Remember on easter I told you the story about the little boy asking his baby sister to tell him about God because he kept forgetting? Well you did teach us/ show us a lot about God's love and now you are there basking in God's love. We will always love you, Emma Rose, Great Aunt Laurie and Great Uncle Sandy

From Aunt Jenny and Abby

Dear Emma,
Today you have your wings. Sweet little girl... I know your in a place where you will feel no pain. And while Jesus and God are rocking you to sleep tonight also know that there are many arms around you holding you just as tight. We will miss you so much. We have been so lucky to have this special time with you. We got to know you and learn and see your sweet and amazing little personality shine. We also felt your strength. You have been such a strong little girl who defied the odds and came home with a Mommy and Daddy and to a sister and brother who all love you so much. It hasn't been easy for you but you stayed as long as you could. We remain so proud of you little girl. You are so sweet, fragile and delicate yet you filled all of our lives with your presence. While you were here it seemed so natural and special, You have been such a good little girl... It has been easy to forget that we might not have another day with you. Now that you have gone there will be no forgetting. Your time here has made sure of that. God bless you little girl. You are our special star in heaven and they are lucky to have you there....

Love always, Aunt jenny and cousin Abby.

From Grandma and Poppy

Dear Emma,

It was great to finally meet you. You are so tiny and so beautiful. I wish I had more time to spend with you. Time to hold you and cuddle you and sing you more songs. You are so loved little one by so many. Poppy put your cradle together and it looked so comfy. You have an extra special mommy and daddy, big sister and brother. I miss you baby girl. Poppy and I wish we lived closer to see you more often. Bye for now; love and kisses......

Grandma and Poppy

From "Original Aunt Laurie"

Hi little Emma, You are with me so constantly in my heart and mind. My tears stain a lot of things here, I wish I could hold you, and I am glad my little blanket can warm you. You are a miracle little one and you are reminding us we are all miracles from God. We will never be the same because of you, love "the Original Aunt Laurie"

From Auntie Laurie

Hi Sweet Pea! I loved Meema's last post. It said it all. I too am sorry I dampened you with my tears. You didn't seem to mind. I even got a few smiles out of your beautiful self.
It hurts to see you struggling. It hurts to see your parents giving all the strength they can muster to be strong for you. It hurts knowing that the hugs and kisses you're getting from brother Joshua will not go on forever. It hurts knowing that one day i won't be able to cradle you in my arms and shower you with kisses. It hurts my heart in a way i could've never imagined was possible.
I long for understanding of this. Perhaps i just got a glimpse. As i'm typing this at work, with tears streaming down my face, the song "I can only imagine" came on. A song about meeting jesus. I believe with all my heart that god sends us messages.
Just remember what Auntie told you this morning....when you do meet God poke him for auntie with your long pointed index finger on your left hand. Auntie needs a good poke from God.
I love you with all of my heart! As always...endless smoochies & huggies!!
Auntie Laurie

From Aunt Jenny

Dear Emma,
Today you are 3 weeks old! What a gift you are and what a fighter. We are all so proud of you and love you so much. Your Daddy told me that you started taking lasix today because one of your nurses heard fluid in your lungs. I hope it helps you breath easier little girl. Keep fighting and we will all continue to treasure every minute that we have with you.
Love, Aunt Jenny and cousin Abby